Forum menu
This is my hybrid flat bar gravel adventure ATB. Apart from the wheel diameter and brakes, it's probably quite comparable with a 20 year old mtb.
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
I also have a beard and a few singlespeeds.
BTW the easy way to get dropbars on your MTB is to Use the Satori Bullbar*, aka [url= http://www.satoribike.com/pro.php?m=d&pid=33&cid=18&f=2 ]Smooth Drop[/url].
There is a version that has the same diameter as an mtb bar so you can use your levers etc and don't need to go to road levers. Then if you want to do gnarly mtb stuff, you can simply switch bars, about a 3-5 minute job.
Ditto if you want to go promenading, simply switch the bar upright. 🙂
It's not a deep drop, but that is unnecessary on a gravel bike anyway.
*[url= http://www.londonbicycleworkshop.com/3371/products/one23-bull-25-4-handlebar.aspx ]Also branded as One23 Minotaur or Bull bar[/url].
(With the changes in name it would be worth checking that they still take mtb size levers - seeing as this is not mentioned in the ads)
Example:
[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/19038652426_48def1ee1b_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/19038652426_48def1ee1b_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
^ Like it.
I've posted this pic before, a similar set up that was a bit of a revelation when riding it during a road tour and a few rides in the UK before that. Works so well to cover any ground apart from wet, techy off-road but a swap of tyres sorts that. Rigid 29er, Big Apples, H-bar with MTB controls. The Fortitude came from a similar sort of use/idea.
[img] 
[/img]
Has repack rider posted yet?
More thoughts:
In many ways the so called gravel bike is a reversion to the British offroad riding tradition, formalised by the formation of the RSF in 1955.
The mistake that organisation made was to eschew technical discussions whereas it could have advanced the technology at a time when Britain had a thriving bike manufacturing tradition - all it needed was a push from an group of enthusiasts like the RSF.
Some UK manufacturers sold bikes built specially for offroad conditions to the colonies in the 1930s - 1950s. Lighter versions would have been perfect for offroad riding here and probably would have sold well. I've managed to find most of the components to build a replica of a colonial special, so that may get built this year so I can compare it. (The Raleigh Bomber used the same frame style).
Here's one destined for USA & Canada but also sold worldwide (1938):
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/14117029366_8c2b2a2e81_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/14117029366_8c2b2a2e81_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
BTW the easy way to get dropbars on your MTB is to Use the Satori Bullbar*, aka Smooth Drop.
I'm interested in that - but it still has only one hand position (at least, with access to brakes). For me one of the main advantages to road drops is that you can ride around on hoods or drops.
I'm planning a switchable bar system on my Salsa, but it'll involve a complete swap of brakes, shifters, cables, bars and all, because that's the only way to do it quickly.
That Genesis is a Fargo in disguise......
molgrips - Member
I'm interested in that - but it still has only one hand position (at least, with access to brakes). For me one of the main advantages to road drops is that you can ride around on hoods or drops.
I don't find it a great disadvantage, but it would be nice to have the option. However it is a shallow drop, so you may find less need to vary the position.
I would buy a bar that offered the option though - so long as I can use mtb levers which I regard as superior to road levers. I never tape my tops, so mtb levers work well for me.
epicyclo - MemberOnce you eliminate all the actual and wannabe racers, there's a large pool of people who want a bike that gets them "out there", a bike you can ride miles to the trail, follow it across a mountain, come out the other side, and then ride home. A bike for scenery before Strava.
Absolutely.
About time too.
In the 70's, there was a much greater emphasis on function over image.
Most of Ballantine's bible extoles the versatility of the high quality touring/all round bike.
In fact, most of my old cycling books seem to give equal prominence to general leisure riding [i]and [/i]the racing side.
Even into the 80's, many manufacturers seemed to offer loads of versatile bikes.
I had a gas pipe British Eagle 'tourer' - big tyre clearances.
Wide drops on a quill stem, quick and easy to adjust.
Rack for camping in the Lakes or strip it and stick knobblies on for playing around in the woods.
I'm glad they're back.
Great thread, btw.
there's a large pool of people who want a bike that gets them "out there", a bike you can ride miles to the trail, follow it across a mountain, come out the other side, and then ride home.
Any XC orientated middle of the range 29er aluminium hardtail would be perfect for that e.g. Trek Superfly.
epicyclo - Member
Once you eliminate all the actual and wannabe racers, there's a large pool of people who want a bike that gets them "out there", a bike you can ride miles to the trail, follow it across a mountain, come out the other side, and then ride home. A bike for scenery before Strava.
My version with mudguards.
[img] 
[/img]
GT Grade for the commute and tracks, just a bit slower over the rough stuff than an MTB.
Calibre Dune for mud plugging and grinning 😀
This is one of my local gravel routes, it's a mix of b roads, gravel tracks and Sustrans paths, i live in a pretty flat area so no big climbs to speak of. I have ridden this route on MTB's in the past but it seems less boring on the Vaya.
[url= https://www.strava.com/activities/370133512 ]Strava[/url]
Anyone else like to share a route?